Torri: Further contact expected in Oosterwolde talks

Roma have made a formal approach for Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens on loan with an option to buy, according to Alfredo Pedulla. Gittens joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £48.5 million last summer but struggled in his first Premier League season, failing to score in 16 league appearances. He made just five top-flight starts in 2025–26, adding three more in the UEFA Champions League, with former manager Liam Rosenior showing limited faith in the English forward. His contract at Chelsea runs until 2032. Gasperini remains active in the transfer market for attacking reinforcements despite the recent completion of Rodrigo Mora's signing from Porto. The search intensifies because Matías Soulé could still depart Roma, with Milan reportedly pursuing the Argentine winger. Roma have already explored other targets this summer: their pursuit of Diego Moreira fell short, and they attempted to sign Gabriel Martinelli before Arsenal's asking price proved prohibitive. Chelsea may be willing to allow Gittens to move on loan in order for him to gain regular playing time, though they will not accept a nominal fee. Gittens impressed during his final season at Dortmund before his big-money move to England. A transfer to Roma could provide him with the platform to rediscover that form while giving Gasperini another attacking option on the wing.

Gasperini is pursuing Oosterwolde as a defensive upgrade with rare positional flexibility. The 25-year-old can operate as a left-back across the full width of the pitch, as a centre-back in a three-man defence, or push forward on the left flank — a true utility player willing to play wherever needed. Standing 1.89 metres tall with pace and physical presence, he is difficult to beat and dangerous in transition, precisely the profile Gasperini seeks in his players. Oosterwolde is regarded as a superior version of Roma's Çelik with the same versatility but greater quality overall. His injury record appears clean: a cruciate ligament injury two years ago remains his only significant setback, and he has otherwise maintained consistent availability without long absences from play. At 25, he has the scope to develop further under Gasperini's coaching. Roma await his arrival.

Oosterwolde has set his sights on Roma and is pushing hard to join the club. Roma is attempting to close the deal as soon as today through sporting director D'Amico, with negotiations structured around a loan fee of €1 million plus €15 million for a mandatory purchase option. The Dutch player is currently sidelined by injury sustained in early August and will need approximately three more weeks to recover. Roma has already checked on his physical condition and shows no sign of stepping back from the pursuit. Oosterwolde is doing his part to force the move. He has turned down two other offers and made his ambition clear: he wants Roma. He has even asked Fenerbahce to release him, reportedly telling the Turkish club he wants the capital, wants Gasperini, and is done with Turkey. The club remains attentive to his recovery timeline despite the injury setback.